Merriam-Webster's Collegiate® Dictionary, 11th Edition
TRY
I. verb (tried; trying) see: throw
Date: 14th century
transitive verb
1. to examine or investigate judicially , b. to conduct the trial of, to participate as counsel in the judicial examination of,
2. to put to test or trial , to subject to something (as undue strain or excessive hardship or provocation) that tests the powers of endurance, demonstrate , prove ,
3. purify , refine , to melt down and procure in a pure state ; render , to fit or finish with accuracy, to make an attempt at, intransitive verb to make an attempt , see: afflict
II. noun (plural tries)
Date: 1832
an experimental trial ; attempt , a play in rugby that is similar to a touchdown in football, scores usually five points, and entitles the scoring side to attempt a placekick at the goal for additional points